Modular brick or block outdoor structures

ABSTRACT

A modular brick or block outdoor structure includes an outdoor structure that is constructed in modular sections. Each modular section is fabricated from a plurality of paving bricks or retaining wall blocks that match the brick or block used to construct the patio. The bricks or blocks are preferably assembled to each other with adhesive. Each modular section includes means for transporting thereof with some type of equipment, if necessary. It is preferable that each modular section include channels to receive lifting forks of an end loader or other suitable transport device, if necessary. However, other methods of transporting the modular section may also be used.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/147,558 filed on May 5, 2016, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/682,867 filed onApr. 9, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,383,109, which is a divisional of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/208,841 filed on Aug. 12, 2011, nowabandoned, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/737,208 filed on Apr. 19, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,931,218, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to patio accessories and morespecifically to a modular brick or block outdoor structure, which ispre-constructed at one site and installed at a second site usinglaborers with minimal labor skills.

2. Discussion of the Prior Art

Patio installers usually employ laborers with minimal labor skills. Thelaborers are not capable of doing masonry work to construct fire places,fire pits and kitchens out of stone or masonry block. Further, buildingfire places, fire pits and kitchens on a patio from single blocks orbricks is very costly and time consuming. Finally, most outdoorstructures are constructed of materials that do not match the pavingbrick or retaining wall block used to construct a patio.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,996,973 to Sigvardsson discloses a stove well as amethod and a device for manufacturing and mounting fire-places. TheSigvardsson patent includes a method for manufacture and mounting offireplaces, e.g. stoves, a lower and an upper half of the fire-placemanufactured separately and transported to the mounting place.

Patent application publication no. 2004/0065313 to Thompson discloses amodular outdoor kitchen. The Thompson patent application includes amodular outdoor kitchen comprising a plurality of weather-resistantoutdoor kitchen modules. Each module comprises a frame having aplurality of outer faces. A plurality of weather-resistant facia panelsare provided on at least a portion of the pluralities of outer faces ofthe frames.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,364 to Buffington discloses a prefabricated modularlightweight fireplace. The Buffington patent discloses a firebox that ispre-cast in modular sections of lightweight vermiculate concrete.

Accordingly, there is a clearly felt need in the art for a modular brickor block outdoor structure, which is pre-constructed at one site andinstalled at a second site using laborers with minimal labor skills andwhich reduces the cost of constructing an outdoor structure at thesecond site from single bricks or blocks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a modular brick or block outdoorstructure, which reduces the cost of constructing an outdoor structureat a second site from single bricks or blocks. The modular brick orblock outdoor structure includes an outdoor structure that isconstructed in modular sections. Each modular section is fabricated froma plurality of paving bricks or retaining wall blocks that match thebrick or block used to construct the patio. The plurality of bricks orblocks are preferably assembled to each other with adhesive. Eachmodular section includes means for transporting thereof with some typeof equipment. It is preferable that each modular section includechannels to receive lifting forks of an end loader or any other suitabletransport device. However, other methods of transporting the modularsection may also be used.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide amodular brick or block outdoor structure, which is pre-constructed atone site and installed at a second site using laborers with minimallabor skills.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a modularbrick or block outdoor structure, which reduces the cost of constructingan outdoor structure at a second site from single bricks or blocks.

Finally, it is another object of the present invention to provide amodular brick or block outdoor structure, which includes paving brick orretaining wall block that matches the paving brick or retaining wallblock of the patio that thereof is installed on.

These and additional objects, advantages, features and benefits of thepresent invention will become apparent from the following specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular brick or block outdoorfireplace in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a modular brick or blockoutdoor fireplace in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modular brick or block outdoor kitchenin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a refrigerator or dishwasher retained ina base unit of a modular brick or block outdoor kitchen in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a plurality of brick or block beingassembled to create an outdoor structure with a channel to receive alifting fork in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a base of an outdoor structurefabricated with a pallet in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6b is a perspective view of a base of an outdoor structurefabricated with pre-cast concrete plates and brick or block inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an outdoor fire pit inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an perspective view of an outdoor pillar in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pair of eye bolts used to lift amodular section of a fire place in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a friction lift unit for lifting amodular section of a fire place in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a modular brick or block wall cornerconnector and end pillar in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a modular brick or block curved wallcorner connector in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a modular brick or block wall sectionin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a brick or block planter in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a patio having numerous modular brickor block outdoor structures in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there isshown a perspective view of a modular brick or block outdoor fireplace(outdoor fireplace) 10. With reference to FIG. 2, the outdoor fireplace10 preferably includes a base fireplace section 12, a first wood storagebox 14, a second wood storage box 16, a hearth section 18, a chimneysection 20, a termination flue cap 22 and a decorative cap 24. The basefireplace section 12 includes a plurality of brick or block 26, a firebox 28 and a flue flange 30. The brick or block 26 is either pavingbrick or retaining wall block that matches the brick or block used toconstruct a patio, where the fireplace 10 is placed.

With reference to FIG. 5, the brick or block 26 is secured to each otherwith adhesive 32. Other types of brick 34 may also be used to create amodular section besides the brick or block 26. Two channels 36 arecreated in a bottom of the base fireplace section 12 by assembly of thebrick or block 26 in a particular pattern. The channel 36 is sized toslidably receive a lift fork 100. The lift fork 100 of an end loader orthe like is used to transfer the modular section from a truck to apatio.

When the modular section is set in-place; a single brick or block 26with adhesive 32 is applied thereto and inserted into the channel 36 tocosmetically remove the channel 36. The brick or block 26 is assembledaround the fire box 28 to create the outdoor fireplace 10 preferably bya manufacturer at a first site and shipped to a second site, such as apatio. Fire boxes are well known in the art and need not be explained indetail. The flue flange 30 extends above the fire box 28 to receive theflue pipe 38. The flue flange 30 receives the exhaust of the fire box28.

The first and second wood storage boxes include a plurality of brick orblock 26 assembled with adhesive 32. Two channels 36 are formed in abottom of the first and second wood storage boxes to receive two liftforks 100. A hearth section 18 includes a plurality of brick or block 26assembled with adhesive 32. Two channel projections 40 extend from arear of the hearth section 18. The two channel projections 40 are sizedto be received by the two channels 36 in the fireplace base section 12.The hearth section 18 may be moved by a couple of laborers. The chimneysection 20 includes a plurality of brick or block 26 assembled withadhesive 32. Two channels 36 are formed on a bottom of the chimneysection 20. The flue pipe 38 extends through a center of the chimneysection 20. A termination flue cap 22 is secured to an end of the fluepipe 38. The decorative cap 24 includes either brick or block 26 orother types of brick 34, which area assembled with adhesive 32. Thedecorative cap 24 may be moved by one or two laborers.

With reference to FIG. 3, a modular brick or block outdoor kitchen(outdoor kitchen) 42 includes at least one base unit 44. A first baseunit 44 would be placed adjacent to one side of a corner unit 46 and asecond base unit 44 would be placed adjacent to a perpendicular side ofthe corner unit 46. Essentially, each base unit 44 includes a kitchencomponent and a plurality of brick or block 26 built around the kitchencomponent. The kitchen components include a grill 48, a refrigerator 50,a dishwasher 52, a cabinet 54, a burner 56, an audio speaker 58 and thelike. A forty five degree corner unit 60 may also be used instead of thecorner unit 46. However, other angles besides 45 and 90 may also beused.

A back splash 62 and/or lights 64 may be formed on a top of the baseunit 44 and/or the corner unit 46, 60. Alternatively, a bar top 66 maybe formed on a top of the base unit 44 and/or the corner unit 46, 60.The bar top 66 extends over at least one side of the base unit 44 and/orthe corner unit 46, 60. A foot rail 68 may be formed at a bottom of thebase unit 44 and/or the corner unit 46, 60.

With reference to FIG. 4, the base unit 44 includes the refrigerator 50or the dishwasher 52; a plurality of brick or block 26; the bar top 66;and the foot rail 68. The plurality of brick or block 26 is built aroundthe refrigerator 50 or the dishwasher 52. Two channels 70 are formed ina bottom of the base unit 44 to receive two lift forks 100. A singlebrick 26 is inserted into each channel 70 to hide thereof for cosmeticpurposes.

With reference to FIG. 6a , a bottom of a brick or block outdoorstructure 72 may be created by building thereof on top of a pallet 74.The plurality of brick or block 26 is attached to a top of the pallet 74with adhesive 32 or the like. A bottom perimeter of the pallet 74 iscovered by attaching the plurality of brick or block 26 with adhesive32. With reference to FIG. 6b , a bottom of a brick or block outdoorstructure 76 may be created using pre-cast concrete plates 78 and aplurality of brick or block 26. A perimeter ledge 82 is cut on an insideperimeter of a first row of brick or block 26 to receive the pre-castconcrete plates 78. The pre-cast concrete plates 78 are preferablyattached to the brick or block 26 with adhesive 32. Two channels 80 arecut through two of the plurality of brick or block 26 to receive twolift forks 100.

With reference to FIG. 7, an outdoor fire pit 84 includes a pitenclosure 86, a fire pit liner 88 and a pit top 90. The pit enclosure 86includes a plurality of brick or block 26 built around the fire pitliner 88. The fire pit liner 88 are well known in the art and may bepurchased from numerous sources. Two channels 92 are formed in a bottomof the pit enclosure 86. The two channels 92 are sized to receive twolift forks 100. The two channels 92 are hidden by inserting two bricksor blocks 26. The pit top 90 is fabricated by attaching a plurality ofbrick or block 26 together with adhesive 32 or the like. The pit top 90is attached to a top of the pit enclosure 86 with adhesive 32.

With reference to FIG. 8, an outdoor pillar 94 includes a plurality ofbrick or block 26. Two channels 96 are cut in a bottom of the pluralityof brick or block 26 to receive two lift forks 100. At least two brickor blocks 26 are inserted into the two channels 96 to hide thereof.

With reference to FIG. 9, a brick or block outdoor structure 98 islifted with a boom 102 of a crane. Two threaded taps 104 are formed intwo brick or blocks 26. Two eye bolts 106 are threaded into the twothreaded taps 104. The ends of a three wire sling 110 are attached tothe two eye bolts 106 and a hook 112 extending from the boom 102. Withreference to FIG. 10, a friction lift unit 114 is suspended from theboom 102 of a crane with a chain 116. The crane may be used to move abrick or block outdoor structure 98 instead of two lift forks 100.

With reference to FIGS. 11-13, components of a brick or block outdoorwall are shown. FIG. 11 illustrates a modular brick or block square wallcorner connector (square corner connector) 118 and an end pillar 120.The square corner connector 118 is fabricated from a plurality of brickor block 26. A top portion of the square corner connector 118 ispreferably topped with a plurality of brick 34. A engagement projection122 preferably extends from one end of the square corner connector 118and a projection notch 124 is formed in the other end thereof. The endpillar 120 includes a projection slot 125 that is sized to receive theengagement projection 122. A pair of channels 126 are formed in a bottomof the square corner connector 118 to receive two lift forks 100. Twobricks or blocks 26′ are sized to be received by the pair of channels126. The end pillar 120 is fabricated from a plurality of brick or block26. A top of the end pillar 120 is preferably topped with a plurality ofbrick 34. A pair of channels 127 are formed in a bottom of the endpillar 120. Two bricks or blocks 26′ are sized to be received by thepair of channels 127.

FIG. 12 illustrates a modular brick or block curved wall cornerconnector (curved corner connector) 128. The curved corner connector 128is fabricated from a plurality of brick or block 26. A top portion ofthe curved corner connector 128 is preferably topped with a plurality ofbrick 34. A engagement projection 130 preferably extends from one end ofthe curved corner connector 128 and a projection notch 135 extends fromthe other end thereof. A pair of channels 132 are formed in a bottom ofthe square corner connector 128 to receive two lift forks 100. Twobricks or blocks 26′ are sized to be received by the pair of channels132.

FIG. 13 illustrates a modular brick or block wall section (wall section)134. The wall section 134 is fabricated from a plurality of brick orblock 26. A top portion of the wall section 134 is preferably toppedwith a plurality of brick 34. An engagement projection 136 preferablyextends from one end of the wall section 134 and a projection notch 137is formed in the other end thereof. A pair of channels 138 are formed ina bottom of the wall section 134 to receive two lift forks 100. Twobricks or blocks 26 are sized to be received by the pair of channels138.

FIG. 14 illustrates a brick or block wall planter (planter) 140. Theplanter 140 is fabricated from a plurality of brick or block 26. A topportion of the planter 140 is preferably topped with a plurality ofbrick 34. A pair of channels 142 are formed in a bottom of the planter140 to receive two lift forks 100. Two bricks or blocks 26 are sized tobe received by the pair of channels 142.

FIG. 15 illustrates a patio having numerous modular brick or blockoutdoor structures located adjacent to each other. A first pillar 94 islocated adjacent one end of the wall section 134. The other end of thefirst wall section 134 is located adjacent one end of the curved cornerconnector 128. The other end of the curved corner connector 128 islocated adjacent one end of a first square corner connector 118. Theother end of the first square corner connector 118 is located adjacent afirst end of the outdoor fireplace 10. The other end of the outdoorfireplace 10 is located adjacent to one end of a second square cornerconnector 118. The other end of the square corner connector 118 islocated adjacent a first base unit 44. The first base unit 44 is locatedadjacent the corner unit 46. One end of a second base unit 44 is locatedadjacent the corner unit 46. The second base unit 44 includes a grill48. The other end of the second base unit 44 is adjacent a second pillar94. The planter 140 is also disclosed in FIG. 14.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changesand modifications may be made without departing from the invention inits broader aspects, and therefore, the aim in the appended claims is tocover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spiritand scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular section comprising: a plurality ofbricks, a plurality of blocks, or a combination of a plurality of bricksand blocks; adhesive securing the plurality of bricks, blocks, orcombination thereof in a pre-assembled configuration of such bricks,blocks, or combination thereof, the pre-assembled configuration having abottom portion; two horizontal channels in the bottom portion spacedfrom one another and formed to receive forks of a forklift truck fortransporting the pre-assembled configuration; wherein the pre-assembledconfiguration is assembled at a first site to form the modular sectionhaving the two channels; and a second plurality of bricks, blocks or acombination thereof is secured to the pre-assembled configuration at asecond site to cosmetically hide the two channels from view.
 2. Themodular section of claim 1 wherein: the two channels are cosmeticallyhidden by at least some of the second plurality of bricks, or blocks, orcombination thereof extending into the channels.
 3. The modular sectionof claim 1 wherein: a first of the two channels has a single brick orblock inserted therein, and a second of the two channels has a singlebrick or block inserted therein.
 4. The modular section of claim 1further comprising: at least one or more additional modular sections,each having the pre-assembled configuration of bricks, blocks orcombination thereof and bottom portion with two channels in the bottomportion spaced from one another and formed to receive the forks of aforklift truck.
 5. The modular section of claim 1 wherein: thepre-assembled configuration includes multiple bricks or blocks along awidth, depth, and height.
 6. A modular section comprising: a pluralityof bricks, a plurality of blocks, or a combination of a plurality ofbricks and blocks secured in an assembled configuration using adhesive,the assembled configuration having a bottom portion and one or morehorizontal channels formed within the bottom portion, and wherein theone or more channels are large enough and deep enough to accommodate theforks of a forklift truck and are configured to be cosmetically hiddenby at least one brick or block, one or more portions of a brick orblock, or a combination thereof to hide the one or more channels fromview following installation of the modular section; and at least onebrick or block, one or more portions of a brick or block, or acombination thereof for cosmetically hiding the one or more channels. 7.The modular section of claim 6 comprising: an outdoor fireplace basehaving a firebox and at least one or more additional modular sections,each having the assembled configuration of bricks, blocks or combinationthereof and bottom portion with one or more channels in the bottomportion formed to accommodate the forks of a forklift truck.
 8. Themodular section of claim 7 wherein: the at least one or more additionalmodular sections including one or more of: a hearth, a chimney, adecorative cap, and a wood box.
 9. The modular section of claim 6wherein the modular section is an outdoor fireplace base having afirebox and also includes a chimney.
 10. A modular section comprising: aplurality of bricks, a plurality of blocks, or a combination of aplurality of bricks and blocks; the plurality of bricks, blocks, orcombination thereof being secured together in a pre-assembledconfiguration, the pre-assembled configuration including multiple bricksor blocks along a width, depth, and height, and the pre-assembledconfiguration having a bottom portion; one or more horizontal channelsin the bottom portion and formed to receive two lift forks of aforklift; wherein the pre-assembled configuration is assembled at afirst site to form the modular section having the one or more channels;and an additional one or more bricks, blocks or a combination thereofpositioned at a second site to cosmetically hide the one or morechannels from view.
 11. The modular section of claim 10 wherein: the oneor more channels comprises more than a single channel.
 12. The modularsection of claim 10 wherein: the one or more channels comprises twochannels spaced to receive forks of a forklift truck.
 13. The modularsection of claim 12 wherein: the additional one or more bricks, orblocks, or combination thereof are sized and configured to extend intothe channels.
 14. The modular section of claim 10 wherein: the one ormore channels are cosmetically hidden by at least some of the additionalbricks, or blocks, or combination thereof extending into the one or morechannels.